Frequency of sexual dysfunction in outpatients with severe mental illness in Greece

INTRODUCTION: Patients with psychosis can develop sexual dysfunction, which may be related to the disease itself, psychosocial factors, somatic comorbidities, and the use of psychotropic medication. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the type and frequency of sexual dysfunction in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder in order to assess the side effects of antipsychotics in sexual function. METHODS: This is a multicenter, cross-sectional study, involving patients diagnosed with schizophrenia (79.3%) or bipolar disorder (20.7%) treated in the Department of Psychiatry and Community Mental Health Centers from November 2018 to December 2019. Patients were enrolled in the study after signed informed consent. Demographic and clinical data were collected from patients through a semi-structured interview. The Antipsychotics and Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (ASFQ) was administered to assess sexual function. RESULTS: A total of 87 outpatients on antipsychotics were recruited in the study. The mean age was 43.6 years, while the mean duration of the disease was 16.9 years. Overall, only 9.1% of patients spontaneously reported sexual dysfunction. Patients treated with oral first-generation antipsychotics had more difficulties in achieving orgasm and decreased erection capacity. In contrast, patients treated with oral second-generation antipsychotics had decreased ejaculation capacity. Patients on antipsychotic combination therapy were associated with higher rates of sexual anhedonia. DISCUSSION: These results suggest that sexual dysfunction is a side effect of antipsychotic treatment, which was spontaneously rarely reported by patients. It seems essential to obtain a psychosexual clinical history before initiating antipsychotic treatment to evaluate following changes and adopt an individualized strategy to manage sexual dysfunction induced by antipsychotics

Computational study of the interaction between a newtonian fluid and a cellular biological medium in a straight vessel

In this work, we solve numerically the governing equations for quasi-steady Newtonian flow past and through a cellular biological medium, which is attached to the surface of a straight vessel. The flow past the cellular biological medium is described by the Navier-Stokes equations. For the modeling of momentum transfer within the cellular biological medium, we consider that the cellular biological medium constitutes a biphasic fluid-solid mixture with poroelastic behaviour. The system of governing equations is solved numerically with the mixed finite element method. The computational domain is discretized using an unstructured, variable density triangular element mesh. From the numerical solution we obtain the spatial distributions of: (i) the fluid velocity and pressure, and (ii) the displacement and stresses of the solid matrix within the cellular biological medium. Also, the components of the overall hydrodynamic force exerted by the flowing fluid on the cellular biological medium are calculated. A parametric analysis is performed with regard to the Reynolds and Darcy numbers that characterize the flow past and through the cellular biological medium

Hierarchical hybrid simulation of biofilm growth dynamics in 3D porous media

Recently, we developed the first hierarchical, hybrid simulator for the prediction of the pattern of evolution and the rate of growth of heterogeneous biofilms within the pore space of porous media [Kapellos et al., Adv. Water Resour. (2007) 30:1648-1667]. A n improved version of our simulator is presented in this work. A continuum-based approach for fluid flow and solute transport is combined with individual-based approaches for biofilm growth, detachment, and migration in the pore space. The Navier-Stokes-Brinkman equations are solved numerically with a marker-and-cell finite difference scheme to determine the velocity and pressure fields in the pore space. Momentum transport in the biofilms is described in the context of biphasic poroelasticity and a Galerkin finite element method is used to determine the solid stress field. Shear-induced biofilm detachment is taken into account explicitly and a Lagrangian-type simulation is used to determine the trajectories of detached fragments. Nutrient transport in the pore space is described by the convectiondiffusion- reaction equation, which is solved numerically with an operator-splitting finite difference scheme. Further, a novel, physically-constrained cellular-automaton model is used for biofilm proliferation. As an example application, the simulator is used to investigate the impact of biofilm formation on the fate and transport of suspended particles in a network of three-dimensional pores

Translation and Validation of the Greek Version of the Antipsychotics and Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (ASFQ)

Introduction Sexual dysfunction in patients with psychoses may be associated with the psychiatric illness itself (negative symptoms, such as apathy, and avolition), comorbid somatic health, psychosocial factors (stigmatization, discrimination), and the use of psychotropic drugs. In Greece, research into the study of antipsychotic-induced sexual dysfunction is not sufficient. Aim This study was conducted to translate and validate the Greek version of the Antipsychotics and Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (ASFQ) in a sample of patients receiving antipsychotic treatment. Methods A “forward-backward translation” method was applied. A pilot study was conducted with 15 outpatients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder under antipsychotics treatment. Patients also completed the “Subjects’ Response to Antipsychotics (SRA)” questionnaire in order to assess the validity of the ASFQ. The ASFQ and the SRA questionnaire were completed twice within 2 weeks. Main outcome measures Reliability (internal consistency and test-retest) and validity were assessed. Results The Greek translation of ASFQ was reliable, with excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's a = 0.90 for men and 0.95 for women in both measurements). In addition, the Spearman correlation coefficient was 1 (P< .001) in all Likert-type questions in both assessments. Finally, Spearman correlation coefficients between ASFQ and SRA were moderately positive to strongly positive (between 0.25 and 1) in both assessments, demonstrating moderate to high validity. Conclusions The Greek version of the ASFQ has proved to be a reliable and valid clinical instrument, hence it can be used in further studies in the Greek population. Angelaki M, Galanis P, Igoumenou A, et al. Translation and Validation of the Greek Version of the Antipsychotics and Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (ASFQ). J Sex Med 2021;9:100334

Epidemiology of constipation in Europe and Oceania: a systematic review

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>We aimed to review the literature regarding the epidemiology of constipation in Europe and Oceania and the associated prevalence/risk factors.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Two reviewers performed PubMed searches and a hand search of references. A study was considered eligible for inclusion if it reported data about the prevalence of constipation in any population, free of other gastrointestinal disorders, in Europe and Oceania. Studies were evaluated for quality. Data regarding the setting, type of study, definition of constipation, study population, prevalence of constipation, factors associated with increased odds for constipation, and the female to male ratio, were collected.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The 21 reviewed studies depict prevalence rates in 34 different population groups ranging widely from a low 0.7% to a high 81%. In the general population of Europe the mean value of the reported constipation rates is 17,1 % and the median value 16.6%. Among the studies conducted in Oceania, the mean value of constipation prevalence was 15.3%. Female gender, age and socioeconomic and educational class seem to have major effect on constipation prevalence. A number of various other risk factors are, less clearly, associated with constipation.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This systematic review depicts the high prevalence and related risk factors of a disorder that decreases the health-related quality of life and has major economic consequences.</p

Quantum-mechanical calculation of Stark widths of Ne VII n=3, Δn=0\Delta n=0 transitions

The Stark widths of the Ne VII 2s3s-2s3p singlet and triplet lines are calculated in the impact approximation using quantum-mechanical Convergent Close-Coupling and Coulomb-Born-Exchange approximations. It is shown that the contribution from inelastic collisions to the line widths exceeds the elastic width contribution by about an order of magnitude. Comparison with the line widths measured in a hot dense plasma of a gas-liner pinch indicates a significant difference which may be naturally explained by non-thermal Doppler effects from persistent implosion velocities or turbulence developed during the pinch implosion. Contributions to the line width from different partial waves and types of interactions are discussed as well.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figures; accepted by Phys. Rev.

Plasma neurofilament light chain protein is not increased in forensic psychiatric populations: a pilot study

Introduction: Neurofilament light chain protein (NfL) is a fluid biomarker of neural injury measurable in cerebrospinal fluid and blood. Patients with different neurodegenerative disorders and mild traumatic brain injury display elevated levels of NfL. However, so far, elevated levels of NfL have not been demonstrated in persons with psychiatric disorders. To our knowledge, the occurrence of NfL in the blood has not previously been studied in persons undergoing forensic psychiatric assessment or persons treated in forensic mental health services. Supposedly, these persons suffer from experiences and conditions with a higher risk of neural injury than other psychiatric patients. Methods: In this pilot study, we investigated plasma levels of NfL in 20 persons undergoing forensic psychiatric assessment and 20 patients at a forensic psychiatric hospital. NfL values were compared with control groups of healthy individuals matched for age and sex. Results: The prevalence of increased NfL in both forensic groups was low and did not differ compared with the controls. However, some persons undergoing forensic psychiatric assessment showed slightly elevated values. Discussion: The slightly elevated values were observed in the group investigated closer in time to the index crime, when elevated NfL levels could be expected to be more prevalent due to acute conditions from the time of the offense. This gives reason to look further into this group

Digital Exhibition: Romaniote Memories, a Jewish Journey from Ioannina, Greece to Manhattan

This article discusses creation of the digital exhibition, Romaniote Memories, a Jewish Journey from Ioannina, Greece to Manhattan: Photographs by Vincent Giordano at Queens College, City University of New York

e-meducation.org: an open access medical education web portal

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Internet can serve in opening the door to a brand new world of high quality medical information. However, the chaotic size of data available in the WWW is often misleading. We sought to provide the world medical community with a web portal that may be used as a clearinghouse providing the outlet for dissemination of high quality WWW educational products.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Directories of the relevant WWW resources have been compiled and others are being currently under development to cover most medical fields. A custom-built medical search engine was created. Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds and video sharing services were reviewed for their quality and were presented along with case-based educational presentations through a user-friendly web portal interface. A directory of guidelines database is currently under development.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The educational portal "e-meducation" available at <url>http://www.e-meducation.org/</url> has been launched in December 2006 and at the moment, provides links to more than 800 educational web-pages, more than 2100 clinical practice guidelines, 32 news feeds, and 14 educational videos. The web site also hosts 40 case-based presentations and a custom medical search engine.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Based on the incorporation of simple and tested educational strategies such as case based instruction and interactive learning, e-meducation.org aims to become a prototype platform that offers a more convenient interface to existing products, resources and medical contents.</p

Electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol by the [Ru3O(OAc)6(py)2(CH3OH)] 3+ cluster: improving the metal-ligand electron transfer by accessing the higher oxidation states of a multicentered system

The [Ru3O(Ac)6(py)2(CH3OH)] + cluster provides an effective electrocatalytic species for the oxidation of methanol under mild conditions. This complex exhibits characteristic electrochemical waves at -1.02, 0.15 and 1.18 V, associated with the Ru3III,II,II/Ru3III,III,II/Ru 3III,III,III /Ru3IV,III,III successive redox couples, respectively. Above 1.7 V, formation of two RuIV centers enhances the 2-electron oxidation of the methanol ligand yielding formaldehyde, in agreement with the theoretical evolution of the HOMO levels as a function of the oxidation states. This work illustrates an important strategy to improve the efficiency of the oxidation catalysis, by using a multicentered redox catalyst and accessing its multiple higher oxidation states331020462050CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQCOORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIOR - CAPESFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESPSem informaçãoSem informaçãoSem informaçã